Free walking tours in Ribeira Grande and what to see

Must-sees

Ribeira Grande is the second city of São Miguel island, on the north coast, about 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada. Its historic centre has streets of white houses trimmed with volcanic stone, the main church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela at the top of a grand stairway and the Church of Espírito Santo, with its baroque façade. The 19th-century Eight Arches bridge spans the ravine that cuts through the city. The Solar de São Vicente houses the Casa da Cultura, with azulejos and ethnography, and there is also Arquipélago, the Azores contemporary arts centre.

Outside the old town, the municipality gathers several of the island's classics. Caldeira Velha has thermal pools in a fern forest, and at the Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande there are fumaroles and an old spa. Higher up is Lagoa do Fogo, a lake in a volcanic crater and a nature reserve. Next to the city, Santa Bárbara beach is a long strip of black sand good for surfing, and to the east you can visit the Gorreana tea plantations.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Ribeira Grande. On Civitatis, the activities that leave from here or include it are island trips, among them coasteering on São Miguel's south coast, with jumps and swimming among the rocks. Most people join day tours from Ponta Delgada that stop at Caldeira Velha, Lagoa do Fogo and the tea plantations, or explore the area by car on their own.

How long to spend

The historic centre can be seen in two hours. With a car, one day is enough for Caldeira Velha, the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, Santa Bárbara beach and Gorreana. If you want to bathe in the pools at leisure, hike a trail or surf, stay two or three days. The weather changes quickly, so leave some margin.

Where to stay

Staying in the centre of Ribeira Grande puts the old town and the restaurants on foot. By the Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde beaches there are apartments and hotels with sea views, ideal if you come to surf. In the countryside, among meadows and volcanoes, there are rural houses for those travelling by car. Ponta Delgada, 20 minutes away, has the island's widest choice.